A domain is a human comprehensible alternative to the string of numbers which web servers use to identify each other on the internet.

When a company decides it wants to establish a web site, the fist issue it needs to address is the choice of its domain name. Ideally, the company would like to have manyhighly memorable domain which would all “map” onto the same string of numbers. But domain names are scares resource and dispute arise when more than one company tries to get the same name. This obviously cause an immediate conflict with the trademark system.

There are two main kinds of domains, --- generic Top level Domain ( gTLDs) and country code Top level Domain (ccTLDs); the domain name system that support gTLDs and ccTlDs run in parallel.

gTLDs:

Registrationof a gTLDs is through one of ICANN’saccredited registrars. A list of which can be found at the registrar directory at InterNIC’s website. For example: .COM, .ORG, and .NET.

gTLDs: Dispute Resolution Policies:

gTLD registrar must make it a condition of registration of gTLDs that all domain name disputes be subject to ICANN Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP). ICANN’s UDRP was approved on October 24, 1999 and introduced on December 1, 1999. The UDRP provides and inexpensive a d quick arbitration process and allows for cancellation or transfer of dispute domain name.

In order to use the UDRP, a complaint must show that:

1.The domain name is identical or comfusingly similar to a trademark or service mark in wich the complaint has rights;

2.The domain name owner has no rights or legitimate interests in respect of the domain name; and

3.The domain name has been registered and is being used in bad faith.

ccTLDs:

Each ccTLDs has its own national registry that will process domain name application and maintain the database of domain names. ccTLDs are based upon an international two letter code (the ISO-3166 list)